Lauren Coulson

I’m participating in a 24 hour challenge to make a difference to those impacted by dementia

I’m taking on a 24 hour challenge of my choice to raise funds for those living with dementia. 

Please help me reach my goal by making a donation. It only takes a minute and any amount you can give will go a long way to fund medical and social research and support the vital services, support groups and education programs that Dementia Australia provides to people living with dementia, their families and carers.

As many of you now know, I have lost my Alma. She was an extremely huge part of my life and I am so devastated she is gone. 

She had advanced dementia, she never knew who I was when I saw her and she barley remembered anything but where she was from, and her son. Occasionally she remembered she had a husband, but not often. 

She never remembered who I was, but she knew that she knew me. And it wasn’t ever about if she remembered me, or knew me. It was about how I could make her feel, and how she made me feel. The unconditional love we gave each other was so wholesome and I’ll never forget that. 

When we listened and sang along to her favourite music, she felt loved. When I talked to her about where she came from and what it was like, she felt recognised. When I spoke to her and thanked her for all the love she gave me, she felt loved and wanted/ needed. And that, is really what it is all about. You don’t have to hold onto what the person remembers, and what they no longer know, you just need to give them a feeling, and I’m sure we all know, there’s no better feeling than being loved and feeling wanted by someone. 

But of course, there is nothing I would want more than the cure for dementia to be found. Unfortunately it seems like a long, long way away, but in the meantime, support for medical research means a lot to me. To be able to support people going through their dementia journey, slowing the progress of dementia, finding ways to improve their quality of life. It is all so important.

I just want to see the care for people living with dementia be improved, in an in home and residential setting. 

Your support means everything to me and always remember, a little goes a very long way. 

Thank you for your support. ♥️